And suddenly the time had come. After 21 years of happily and diligently working as a production assistant - at a company that makes medical instruments for the benefit of ophthalmology and eye surgery - it was no longer possible to perform precision work under a microscope due to various treatments. The employer made every effort to find me a new job internally, but unfortunately without success. There were temporary jobs for me, but nothing permanent was in sight. Then Puls came into the picture, from 2nd track.

The search for a new job was very difficult and I had to get very used to being rejected every time. I had never experienced that in my life. My consultant at Puls suggested the idea of a work experience placement or secondment. Among other things, I oriented myself to volunteer work; I wanted to feel useful again! For a long time I cried that I did not want to go back into health care, after all, I had left that profession in the past for a reason.

On a weekend walk, I went with my daughter and granddaughters to the animal pasture at a nursing home near where I live. What was the first thing I noticed in front of the entrance to the home? A lighted sign saying "volunteers wanted." This had been there for years, I had never noticed it. This seemed ideal! Close to home, various target groups. At my daughter's insistence, I went in for information. The same evening I wrote an extensive letter and soon I was welcomed as a new volunteer. Initially, I was paired in one-on-one counseling with residents with noncongenital brain disorders, in addition to being involved in various creative activities. Soon I felt like a fish out of water. I noticed that I had missed social interaction so much over the past few years. I could use my social and creative qualities again!

After a few months, a nurse from that department came to me and told me that they were looking for a care assistant in the NAH department and that she could see me working there! I was immediately excited and immediately wrote an open application letter. End result: since May 15, 2019, I have been working three days a week as a care assistant and I am having a great time!

The preliminary process to this job has allowed me to rediscover myself. It has been quite a process to mentally say goodbye to my old employer. But, I have come out strong. I am strong again and I am comfortable in my own skin. And most importantly, I can be myself again! I am also very grateful to my consultant and, of course, to my former employer for introducing me to Puls .